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In 1949 the frame was different in that the wood stocks didn't wrap around and extend below the metal part of the butt. The barrel was round and there was no rib or underlug that wrapped around most of the ejector rod. With no evidence to prove it (other then the above description) I would expect a S-prefix number in in 1980.

In 1978 Colt stopped issuing serial number information to researchers.

R.L. Wilson was given the last access to the Colt archives in 1985.
The list ends in 1985 when the book was published.
The book is "Colt: An American Legend". In the back of the book are ALL Colt serial numbers from 1836 into 1985.

Colt Firearms considers this to be the official history of Colt firearms.
Pictured in the book is every model of firearm Colt ever made, most shown being profusely engraved show models.
You can still find the book on Ebay and some book seller sites.

The R.L. Wilson book is great, but it's woefully out of date. Nevertheless I own a copy. I don't know if Mr. Wilson will be writing anymore books. I belive he is out of prison and I've heard nothing about him writing anything else. He might just be laying low. Too bad if that's the case. the Colt book could stand an update.

Hi All,
My brother has an old colt we would like to know the year of mfg.
beleive it is a 38 special but not sure.
38 special
4 in.
square butt
six shot
fixed front half moon
sn, 348xx
police postive special

Serial number 34,8xx was made in 1910, two years after the model was introduced in 1908. Be sure you have the whole number. It is stamped on the frame in the crane cut-out just below the back end of the barrel. The "crane” is the hinge part the cylinder swings out on, so you have to open it to see the number.

Since R.L. Wilson went out of the picture Colt's don't seem to be interested in outside researchers. Instead they would rather sell the information. If you call their Customer Service Department at (800) 962-2658 and give them the model and serial number they'll tell you the year it was made, and nothing more. The person you're talking with will be reading off a computer screen and may or may not have any in-depth knowledge of the subject.

a) 38 Special CTG
b) 4 " barrel
c) Wood grips, rounded and all wood (no metal) across bottom.
d) 6 shot
e) Fixed sights.
f) 26324M. Bottom of grip is all wood, no serial number
g) 26324M under the crane.
There is no number under the barrel or face of the cylinder. There is no serial number at bottom of grip.
h.) On left side of barrel: Police Positive Special, 38 Special CTG

This is one very nicely maintained revolver. I bought it back in about 1980 for $75. I never had to time to shot much. It may have 50 rounds through it total. I recently sent my wife and kids to a local NRA instructor along with all my guns for training. The instructor refused to use this gun. Instead he came back with his own revolver and used it. After the training session he showed me an guesstimate of value for this gun. This gun is now a Safe Queen. I bring it out of it's original box once in while just to hold it and smile. My son has already claimed this revolver as his inheritance.

Thanks in advance for the information on this gun. Sorry to bore you with the history of this gun, but this story brings smiles to me.

dwstone1227

Last edited by dwstone1227; January 11, 2013 at 01:57 PM.
Reason: Attached pictures

While everyone's posting 'old Colts', I'll include a couple pix of my father-in-law's Colt Army Special. He bought it from a pawn shop in 1942. Checks of the serial number at proofhouse.com indicate it was manufactured in 1919.

I just joined THR forum because I have been offered to purchase a vintage Colt revolver. Not sure if I'm supposed to start a new thread, but I figured this would be a good start. I believe I have a Colt Banker's Special in .38 S&W. It is nickel finished w/walnut grips. Serial number is 168XXX, and according to proof house, manufactured in 1926. All of my research today verifies that this revolver meets all the correct criteria:

Here's the kicker guys---This gun appears 98-99% condition on finish! Right grip panel has front corner broken off......looking at the inside of the frame where the cylinder locks up, I swear this gun has possibly NEVER been fired! Can anyone help me out? i.e. what should I offer the seller (an honest price--my wife's boss (it belonged to his father who passed away last year). He has no clue, "just a handgun". Will post pics this weekend.
Thanks......

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